Meeting the challenge of genomics data storage and security

Genome sequence data is the most sensitive medical record that human beings will create in their lifetime. The sequence data contains deep genotype-phenotype associations for the human condition, with some relationships not yet determined. Current research has elucidated many disease relationships, which are ushering in the rush for Precision medicine applications. However, the ability to read the genome for causal human traits infringes on privacy of individuals and their relatives. Because the data has implications on future generations, safe guarding an individual's genome data is essential to ensure that future generations will enjoy life without prejudice. Because an individual's sequence data encompasses large (100 Gigabytes to 1000 Gigabytes) digital files, several strategies have been put forward. However, current commercial strategies do not satisfy the concerns of groups for adequate security to safeguard the information for longterm (generational) storage. In this talk, I will discuss principles for secure long term storage (over generations) for genome sequence data